Customer Collaboration Specialist (Supply Chain)

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Customer Collaboration Specialist (Supply Chain) to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.The position is based in Seacroft, Leeds. This is a full-time temporary role to run until November 2026, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £43,200 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.Role currently offers a mix of remote & onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.The Customer Collaboration Specialist is the supply chain face of UL to our customers. The ultimate goal of the role is to make Unilever the preferred supplier that our customers want to work with. Primarily responsible for working with our customers on forecasting & events to improve UL customer relationships through delivery of brilliant service levels, OSA & Forecast Accuracy. This role is geared towards focussing on the future, includes planning of mid-term promotion and events horizon (30 to 90 days) & range change planning (up to 12 months out) with some intervention in the immediate term where needed. Role holders are expected to use their knowledge of customer and UL supply chains to influence decision making on initiatives that add value to UL and the customers.RESPONSIBILITIES Operations & SystemsForecastingProvide customer-specific insights & recommendations based on analysis & collaborative discussions (such as 30-60-90 forums) to positively influence the forecast accuracy & bias of promotional volumes within Unilever and with customersOwn the volume phasing of promotions, using data and insights to improve forecast accuracy and biasOwns inputs to short-term amendments to the forecast and is expected to align with relevant stakeholders on ability to fulfilSupport review of customer-specific baseline forecast, providing insights & recommendations to CAM, Demand Planning & customersOrder to Deliver - Provide information & input to customer execution teams to inform short-term decision-making process. Management & planning of exceptional events (such as shippers, gifting, WIGIGs, range reviews, etc) to facilitate effective execution by O2D teams.Systems that you would be expected to use/interpret include but not limited to – SAP, RTVA, PowerBI, MS Office, TPM, TPA, customer portals.Projects, Innovation & CapabilitiesLead small scale customer projects that help UL stand out vs other suppliers (knows as “podium plays” – i.e. they put Unilever on the podium. E.g helping a customer to test and launch a new system)Work with Customer Innovation Leaders on larger scale customer projects to land with the customer in a joined up wayCollaborate with customer to ensure correct set up of NPD, including master data, phasing, and first-order managementSupport relevant internal & external stakeholders on technology, process or business changes.Provide guidance & support to CD & other stakeholders on feasibility & execution of initiatives.Continuous Improvement & Problem SolvingReview compliance with logistics trade terms & identify opportunities to improve with customers. Includes analysis of order patterns, load fill, volumes, full pallets, order amendments, etc.Analysis of service/OSA losses to determine key trends & chronic problems, working with stakeholders to improve availability.Identify savings opportunities, work with internal & external stakeholders on planning and execution.Analysis of AGS results to create & execute of plans for future improvements with customers alongside other stakeholders.Collaborate with 3rd parties & internal stakeholders to influence continuous improvement of reports, processes and ways of working pertinent to this role & its interfaces.External Communications & RelationsAct as supply chain face of UL to our customersUnderstand needs of retail customers, be voice of customer internally & develop relationships with key customer contactsCommunication to customer on service performance & incidents, proactive sharing of potential supply risks and associated mitigationsVisit customer offices and sites on a frequent basis to develop relationships & improved understanding of their issues and opportunitiesBuild relationships to positively influence customer behaviour in line with UL operational & leadership expectationsTrain & coach new CCS starters may be an expectation. May be expected to coach/educate CAMs on forecasting & supply chain fundamentals.Requirements:Proficiency with Microsoft Excel Customer-focused mindsetWilling to travel to meet customersStrong internal and external stakeholder managementExcellent quantitative analytical skillsProficiency in English & MathsCommunication & interpersonal skills, ability to adapt style to influence stakeholdersProblem-solving skills and ability to think logicallyStay calm & focused in fast-paced, high-pressure situationsManage time effectively, organised, plan workload & able to focus on future promotions & events rather than get distracted with the issues of todayProactive mindset, seek to avoid problems before they ariseComfortable holding others to account & in having challenging conversations